What is DHEA?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands and a precursor that can be converted into testosterone and estrogen. 1

• Supplementation and effects: DHEA can raise both testosterone and estrogen. Which rises more—and the resulting effects—depends on starting hormone levels, aromatase activity, and whether a person has ovaries or testes. 1
• Hair loss: Testosterone can be converted into DHT, which is associated with male-pattern baldness; the degree of hair-loss susceptibility varies. 2